Collapsible Shopping Cart

ABSTRACT

Provided is a dynamic shopping cart with collapsible walls. The shopping cart can either be used with the collapsible wall in place or in collapsed position.

CROSS-REFERENCE

The present application claimed the benefit of and is a continuation ofApplication No. 13/728,952, filed on Dec. 27, 2012, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety,

BACKGROUND SECTION OF THE INVENTION

People use personal shopping carts to carry their groceries and otheritems to their home. These personal shopping carts typically have abasket, a handle, and wheels. The personal shopping carts that arecurrently on the market have several drawbacks. First, they are veryflimsy and hard to turn, making it difficult to push the cart. Second,the objects put in the shipping cart are limited by the size of thebasket. Third, these shopping carts provide no means for carryingpersonal objects like a cell phone, or other items, such as clothing.There is a need in the art for a personal shopping cart that meets theneeds of the ordinary person.

SUMMARY SECTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, provided is a personal shopping cart comprising: aplatform with one or more sections, the top of the platform defining aspace for placing one or more items; three or more wheels (preferably 4wheels) a collapsible wall around some or all of the top of theplatform; a handle; wherein the personal shopping cart can be used withthe wall in place or the wall partially or fully collapsed to allow forplacing objects that do not fit the platform with the collapsible wallin place. The platform can be made from a first and a second section,the first section surrounded by the collapsible wall, and the secondsection without a wall, the second section being next to the firstsection on opposite of the side where the handle is attached to thefirst section. Two of the wheels can be attached to the bottom of thesecond section of the platform. If the shopping cart has three wheels,one wheel can be placed in the center of the second section. Theshopping cart can further comprise a foldable side bar attached to theside of the first section of the platform to allow for connectingsegments of the collapsible wall. The collapsible wall can be comprisedof four segments, with one segment of the collapsible wall connectedbetween the handle posts, two segments of the collapsible wall eachconnected to one of the handle posts on one side and a side bar at theother side, and one segment of the collapsible wall connected to a sidebar at one side and another side bar at another side. The connection tothe side bars can be a detachable connection. The second section of theplatform can be extendable to create a longer shopping cart. The frontwall segment can be folded to fill a gap created by extending the secondsection of the platform. The segment of the collapsible wall that isattached between the two side bars can be folded to fill the gap. Thesegment of the collapsible wall that is attached to the handle posts maynot be collapsible. The segment of the wall that is attached to thehandle post and the side bar can be attached to the handle post via apivoting hinge that allows for 90 degree rotation to be foldedsubstantially parallel in relationship to the handle grip. The shoppingcart can further comprise a tray attached to the handle. The shoppingcart can further comprise an extendable coat hanger attached to thehandle. The bottom of the platform can contain several receptacle holesto accept straps to hold items on top platform. When some or all of thewall is collapsed, the cart can be folded. The cart can include achassis axle encompassing the two wheels that are placed below thehandle posts. The chassis axle can allow for placing the foot on theaxle to apply a force to lift front end of the shopping cart.

A personal shopping cart comprising: a platform for placing items havinga first and second section, with the first section of the platformhaving an area that is larger than the second platform, and the secondplatform placed next to the first platform and capable of extending awayfrom the first platform to create an extended platform, two wheelsattached to bottom of the second platform, two wheels attached to thebottom of the first platform on opposite side of where the secondplatform is situated next to the first platform, a partially collapsiblewall made from four segments around the first platform, with threesegments of the wall being collapsible, a handle comprised of ahorizontal grip attached to two vertical posts that are attached to thefirst platform on opposite side of where the second platform is placedin relation to the first platform, with a segment of the wall that isnot collapsible attached to the two posts, two foldable side bars placedapart on the side of the first platform for detachably attachingsegments of the collapsible wall, wherein the personal shopping cart canbe used with the wall in place or the wall partially collapsed to allowfor placing objects that do not fit the platform with the collapsiblewall in place.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an isometric front view of the SC.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an isometric rear view of the SC.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an isometric bottom view.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a front extension isometric bottom view.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a front extension latch exploded view.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a chassis weldment expolded view.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a coat hanger exploded view.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a front wall locker latch.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a sidewall support post latch front view.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a sidewall support post latch, rear view.

FIG. 11A is an illustration of a handle height adjustment latch partialcross section, bottom view.

FIG. 11B is an illustration of a handle height adjustment latch partialcross section, top view.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a side wall support bar mounting hinge.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a handle crossbar.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a handle.

FIGS. 15 (A-F) is an illustration of different views of the shoppingcart in a folded position.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of the pivoted front wall at extendedposition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a shopping cart that solves the manydrawbacks of personal shopping carts designed for carrying items. Theshopping cart has a collapsible wall that allows for putting in items ofvarious sizes. The wall can be collapsed for example by folding one ormore wall segments or removing them. The shopping cart has an extendableplatform. The shopping cart is also stable with a chassis and an axle.The shopping cart is designed to further include a coat hanger, a cupholder, and a tray for placing small objects.

In one embodiment, the shopping cart is used as illustrated in FIG. 1.In this embodiment, the collapsible wall made from the four wallsegments (13, 14 left and right side, 15) is kept in place, and itemsare put in the basket formed by the collapsible wall. It is possible touse the cart with 1) all the wall segments, particularly (13) and (14)folded, 2) just one of the side wall segments (14) folded, 3) both sidewall segments (14) folded, 4) or just the front wall segment (13)folded. In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the frontextension platform (11) is extended and the front wall segment (13) isfolded to fill the gap. This embodiment (with front wall segment (13)folded) can be used with side wall segments 14 (and/or back wall 15) ina collapsed/folded position or in place. The shopping cart can have anoptional hanger (24 b) that can be extended.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of the shopping cart with thecollapsible wall in place. The chassis (10) forms a platform for placingitems. In front of the chassis and away from handle (22), there is afront extension platform (11). The front extension platform (11) allowsfor extending the overall of the shopping cart. The front extensionplatform (11) can be secured and extended as desired. A mechanismsimilar to the front extension latch release push button (11 a) can beused to extend the front extension platform (“FEP”) (11). The FEP (11)can be placed next to the shopping cart on one of its long sides. TheFEP (11) can have round edges and be attached to wheels through one ormore of front rotatable caster (21). In one embodiment, one wheel isplaced on each side of the FEP. These two wheels (one on each side),along with two wheels (20) placed below the main platform (10) cancomprise the four wheels of the shopping cart. If the shopping cart hasthree wheels, the one wheel can be placed in the middle of the FEP.

The main platform (10) can have four wall segments, front wall segment(13), side wall segments (left or right) (14), and a rear wall segment(15). A triangular design with three wall segments can also be made. Asillustrated, the front wall segment (13) and the side wall segments (14)are collapsible. The rear wall segment (15) is not collapsible in theembodiment that is illustrated. The rear wall segment can include one ormore hooks (15 a) for securing items. The side wall segments arepivotally attached to the side wall hinge (16) that allows for a 90degree rotation so that the side wall segments be substantially parallelto the rear wall segment (15) or the handle (22). The side wall can havea stop bracket (17) to stop the side wall from rotating more than 90degrees and to maintain the side wall segment parallel to the side ofthe main platform (10). The front wall segment (13) can be attached witha front wall pivot mounting hinge (28) at the bottom that allows thefront wall to pivot 180 degrees to rest at the top of the main platformand or in the opposite forward position to create an extended platform.The front wall latch (27) keeps the front wall segment (13) at 90degrees and from falling forward.

The cart can have two side wall support posts (side bars) (26) placed atthe corner of the chassis (10) away from the handle. The side wallsupport posts (side bars) (26) are foldable if needed and they supportthe front and side wall segments when in position. The side wall supportposts (side bars) (26) can be folded with a side wall latch release knob(Pull release knob) (29).

The cart has a handle that comprises various components. The hand grip(22) can be a horizontal component attached to two substantiallyvertical components, handle posts (30) on each side of the cart. Ahandle pivot stop pin (18) can be used along with a handle pivot stopbracket (19) to keep the handle from falling out. The height of thehandle can be adjusted. Handle bar height adjustment squeeze latch (25)with squeeze knobs (25 a) can be used to adjust the height of the handle(22).

The handle can include a drink (cup) holder tray (preferably tiltadjustable) (23), a tray lock knob (23 a) for adding or removing thetray, and a drink holder (23 b). The drink holder (23 b) can beincorporated separately from the cart.

The cart can have a telescopic coat hanger hook (24) that can beextendable and/or rotatable. The hood (24 b) can be used to holdhangers. A clamp (24 a) can be used to adjust the coat hanger rotationand height. The inner member of telescopic body of the hanger (24) canextend in a parallel fashion to one of the handle posts (30).

FIG. 2 provides the rear view of the cart. Chassis (10) forms aplatform. There can be a chassis axle (10 a) connecting the two rearwheels. The chassis can have a knurl. FIG. 2 also illustrates the handlepivot stop bracket (right) (19), drink holder tray (tilt adjustable)(23), tray pivot pin, left (23 c), tray pivot pin, right (23 d), handlebar height adjustment squeeze latch (25), squeeze knobs (25 a), handlepost, right side (30), handle fold pivot shaft (32), handle fold/unfoldsqueeze latch (33), and squeeze knobs (33 a).

FIG. 3 illustrates the bottom isometric view. FIG. 3 shows the chassis(10) and chassis axle (10 a). FIG. 3 also illustrates one particularexample for connecting the front extension platform to the mainplatform. The bottom of the main platform has front extension receptacletubes (10 b and 10 c) for receiving front extension plug tubes (11 d and11 f) from the front extension platform.

The front extension latch mounting bracket (11 b), latch extension rod(11 c), and front extension latch keeper bracket (10 d) allow forreversibly locking the front extension platform (11) in place at adesired position. The cart can have several elastic band hooksattachment hole (10 e) for attaching, for example, elastic bungee cordswith hooks to secure items on the top of main platform. Platform supportrib (10 f) supports some of the weight put on the platform. Additionalfeatures shown in FIG. 3 include platform end cap (10 g), frontextension plug tube, left (11 f), handle pivot stop bracket (right)(19), wheel shaft (19 a), and handle grip (22).

FIG. 4 is a front extension isometric bottom view of the shopping cart.FIG. 4 shows front extension platform (11), front extension plug tube(11 d, and 11 f), plug tube bearing pads (11 g), and front rotatablecaster (21).

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a front extension latch in exploded view.FIG. 5 shows a front extension latch release push button (11 a), frontextension latch mounting bracket (11 b), latch extension rod (11 c),position lock pin (34), latch extension rod elevator shafts (35),compression spring (36), spring trust washer (37), and press fit keeperpin (38).

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a chassis weldment expolded view. FIG. 6shows chassis (platform) (10), chassis axle (10 a), front extensionreceptacle tube, right (10 b), front extension receptacle tube, left (10c), front extension latch keeper bracket (10 d), platform support rib(10 f), platform end cap (10 g), front wall pivot hinge mounting holes(10 i), front extension latch rod clearance slot (10 j), side wallsupport bar latch receptacle slot (10 k), axle end cap (10 m), and axleend cap spacer washer (10 n). The platform (10) can have sides withlower height (a slight dip) where the side wall support posts (sidebars) (26) are attached. The difference in height between the platformand the dips on the sides allows for obtaining a single platform that islevel when the side wall support post (side bar) (26) is folded. Theside wall support post (side bar) can be kept in place by detachablyattaching the side bar to the side wall support bar latch receptacleslot (10 k).

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a coat hanger in exploded view. FIG. 7shows telescopic outer tube (24), height adjustment clamp (24 a), hook(24 b), hook ferrule (press fit with 24 d and 24 b) (24 c), andtelescopic inner tube (24 d). The coat hanger can be attached to thehandle post via outer telescopic tube (24).

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a front wall locker latch. FIG. 8 showsfront wall latch receptacle bracket (27), tension leaf spring (39), leafspring mounting rivets (40), latch pivot pin (press fit to 27) (41), andlatch lever pin (press fit to 27) (42).

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a sidewall support post latch, front view.FIG. 9 shows side wall latch release knob (pull release knob) (29),press fit keeper pin (29 a), side bar mounting hole (29 b), latchmounting block (29 c), latch rod travel limiter pin (see FIG. 10) (29d), latch rod (29 e), and compression spring (29 g).

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a sidewall support post latch, rear view.FIG. 10 shows side wall latch release knob (pull release knob) (29),latch mounting block (29 c), latch rod travel limiter pin (see FIG. 9)(29 d), latch rod (29 e), and latch rod travel limiter slot (29 h).

FIG. 11A is an illustration of a handle height adjustment latch (25)partial cross section, bottom view. FIG. 11A illustrates handle barheight adjustment squeeze latch 25, squeeze knob (25 a), latch mountingflange (25 b), latch rod (25 c), latch rod travel limiter pin (25 d),compression spring (25 e), latch rod spring retaining ring (25 f), andflange mounting hole (25 g)

FIG. 11B is an illustration of a handle height adjustment latch (25)partial cross section, top view. FIG. 11B shows handle bar heightadjustment squeeze latch (25), squeeze knob (25 a), latch rod (25 c),latch rod travel limiter pin (see FIG. 11A) (25 d), compression spring(25 e), latch rod spring retaining ring (25 f), and latch rod travellimiter slot (25 h).

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a side wall support bar hinge. FIG. 12shows side wall support bar pivot block (43) (which can have a rod witha flange at one end), press fit mounting pin (43 a), side wall supportbar mounting bracket (43 b), and pivot block mounting hole (43 c).

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a handle crossbar. FIG. 13 shows handlegrip adjustable support, right (21), tray pivot mounting hole (21 a),mounting hole (21 q), handle grip (22), handle grip adjustable support,left (44), handle height adjustment holes (44 a), handle barmounting/bearing block (45), and handle bar retainer pin (press fit)(46).

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a handle. FIG. 14 shows Rear wall (15).FIG. 14 shows rear wall shopping bag hook (15 a), side wall mountinghinge (16), side wall stop bracket (17), handle pivot stop pin (18),handle bar height adjustment squeeze latch (25), squeeze knob (25 a),latch mounting flange (25 b), handle post, right side (30), handle foldpivot shaft (32), handle fold/unfold squeeze latch (33), squeeze knobs(33 a), latch rod fold/unfold lock (33 b), handle post, left side (47),and handle cross bar mounting holes (47 a).

FIGS. 15 (A-F) are different views of the shopping cart in variousfolded illustrations. The shopping cart can be folded into a positionwhere the handle posts (30) are substantially parallel to the sides ofthe main platform (10). To fold the shopping cart, it is preferred thatthe main platform (10) and the FEP (11) are next to each other(non-extended position). It is also preferred that the side and frontwall segments, as well as the side bars, are in a collapsed position.

The personal shopping cart is preferably pushed with a handle in frontof a person. The main platform (10) is preferably placed in the front ofthe person pushing the cart, and the front extension platform (11) isplaced further in front of the main platform (10). The main platform(10) preferably has four sides. The handle posts (3) are attached to oneside of the main platform (10) (two adjacent corners) and the frontextension platform the other side (two adjacent corners) opposite of theside covered by the handle posts.

The top surface of either platform (10, 11) is preferably from about 6inches to about 12 inches, such as about 8 inches, above the ground. Thedistance between the two posts of the handle (the length of the handlegrip) is preferably about 18 to about 25 inches, such as about 21inches. The height of each segment of the collapsible wall is preferablyabout 15 to about 19 inches, such as about 17 inches. The width of eachsegment of the collapsible wall is preferably the same or slightly lessthan the length of the handle grip.

What is claimed is:
 1. A personal shopping cart comprising: a) aplatform with a front, a rear, a first side, a second side, and a top,the top of the platform defining a space for placing one or more items;b) three or more wheels for contacting the shopping cart with a ground;c) a first and a second post placed in the rear of the platform; d) ahandle attached to the first post and the second post, position of thehandle defining the rear of the platform; e) a wall with four segmentsaround the platform, with a rear wall segment, a first side wallsegment, a second wall segment, and a front wall segment, wherein thefirst wall segment is pivotally attached to the first post, and thesecond side all segment is pivotally attached to the second post, thefirst side and the second side wall segments configured to pivot towardsthe rear of the shopping cart, wherein the front wall segment ispivotally attached to the platform and is configured to be pivotedtowards the platform; wherein the shopping cart is collapsed by pivotingthe first side wall segment, the second side wall segment, and the frontwall segment, and then collapsing the shopping cart so that the platformpivots towards the rear wall segment.
 2. The shopping part of claim 1,further comprising a first and a second side bar pivotally attached tothe platform, the first side bar connecting the front wall segment withthe first side wall segment, and the second side bar connecting thefront wall segment with the second side wall segment, wherein the firstand the second side bars are configured to be pivoted towards theplatform to allow for collapsing the shopping cart.
 3. The shopping cartof claim 1, wherein the shopping cart has four wheels.
 4. The shoppingcart of claim 1, wherein the top of the platform being 6 inches to 12inches above a ground;
 5. The shopping cart of claim 1, furthercomprising two foldable side bars attached to the platform to allow forconnecting one or more segments of the collapsible wall.
 6. The shoppingcart of claim 1, wherein the rear wall segment is not collapsible. 7.The shopping cart of claim 1, wherein the each side wall segment isattached to each post via a pivoting hinge that allows for 90 degreerotation to allow for pivoting the, segment substantially parallel tothe handle.
 8. The shopping cart of claim 1, further comprisingattaching a tray to the handle.
 9. The shopping cart of claim 1, furthercomprising attaching an extendable coat hanger to the handle.
 10. Theshopping cart of claim 1, wherein a bottom of the platform contains oneor more receptacle holes to secure items with strap hooks.
 11. Theshopping cart of claim 1, further comprising a chassis axle.
 12. Theshopping cart of claim 11, wherein the chassis axle allows for engagingthe axle to apply a force to lift a front end of the shopping cart. 13.The shopping cart of claim 1, wherein the handle is oriented so as to bepushed by a user standing behind the shopping cart.
 14. The shoppingcart of claim 1, wherein the top of the platform is about 6 inches toabout 12 inches above the groud.